Everyday Healthy Living

You only need to skim the shelves of any newsagents at all the glossy covered health magazines promising some of the greatest health secrets and fitness tips and tricks to see that healthy living is important to a lot of people. Everyone wants to live longer and look their absolute best and be the fittest that they can be, well by following a few basic fitness tips healthy living is something that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Healthy Living Basics

In a perfect world we would all be the picture of perfect health, no one would smoke, be overweight we would all exercise on a regular basis and eat really well. Unfortunately we don’t live in this perfect world and for many people finding the right balance between healthy living whilst juggling a hectic and busy lifestyle in today’s world just isn’t that simple. Healthy living is something that is still attainable just by making some minor gradual changes in our everyday lives. Swapping that sugary snack for a piece of fresh fruit, opting to take the stairs rather than jumping in the elevator and replacing a few of your cups of coffee for water are all simple changes that can easily be made and a step towards healthy living.

Exercise

With the advancement in technology our activity levels as humans has decreased significantly. Years ago we would have worked the land farming all of our own food whereas now we simply jump in the car and drive to supermarkets where we can buy food that is processed and precooked. Our kids take a bus to school rather than the healthier option of walking and social activities usually involve sitting in front of a TV or gaming console rather than enjoying outdoor activities. Regular exercise is pivotal to healthy living and can provide a number of benefits including:

Lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancers

Good for joint health and mobility

Improves flexibility

Lowers stress levels

Enhances self esteem

These are just a handful of the many benefits that can come from an active lifestyle as part of a healthy living plan. Many people find it hard to find the time for exercise in their hectic schedules but here are a few simple of examples of how you can increase your activity levels on a daily basis.

Instead of watching TV go for a 15 minute walk

Walk to school / work

House work

Walk while talking on the phone

Do stretches at your desk at work

Join a local sport team

Diet

Say diet to most people and they automatically think of not eating and losing weight which gets them running for the hills but in terms of healthy living and healthy eating all they really are is a lifestyle choice. There is no need to eliminate snacks completely and you can still enjoy the odd treat but ideally you should be aiming to replace unhealthy foods with natural and healthier alternatives. A few examples of how you can introduce healthy eating into your everyday life include:

Fresh fruit for breakfast

Try adding vegetables to some of your favourite foods such as pasta or pizzas

Avoid eating processed ready meals

Swap juice for water

Avoid snacks and sodas high in sugar

These simple tips to healthy living are easy to follow by anyone looking to start on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.